To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will request that the North West Development Agency include in its plans for bringing forward major public works flood protection projects in Copeland constituency. (252556)

I have been asked to reply.

The Environment Agency north-west region is currently planning a number of flood risk studies within the borough of Copeland around the Whitehaven and Egremont area. These include Nor Beck in Cleator Moor, and Skirting Beck in Egremont. Once completed, these studies may lead to flood defence capital improvement works. There are currently no plans to bring the possible construction works forward as this would require additional grant in aid and other funding. In addition, a small scheme at Low Mill, near Egremont, is currently nearing completion.